Oy, my feet are tired

We have walked and walked and walked and walked. Walking sandals have served us well, but by the end of a day (we leave the hotel mid morning and return after dinner) the feet/legs are tired. My theory on Tuesday was, when we came back to hotel briefly between touring and dinner, to soak my feet in the hotel's rooftop infinity pool. Thought you would appreciate the view that me and my feet had during our "soak!"

Tuesday had us starting out with a cafe and croissant near the hotel. We have enjoyed that coffee here is a sit-down experience. Nobody walks around with coffee to go, you don't see coffee mocha frappacinnos (sp?). Although we have spotted 3 Starbucks, people here (and in Portugal) sit down for their caffeine. School seems to start late, so while we sit we see the moms or dads walking their kids to school or preschool. Very sweet and leisurely pace - if they are nagging their kids on the way, we are not picking it up!

We next headed for the waterfront, then a stroll up Las Ramblas. Complete throngs of tourists - didn't take many pictures because it would have just looked like people and treetops from my short vantage. But the colors of the marketplace (a bit fancier than the market at Alcobaca in Portugal) and the street artists (yes, there is a person under all that makeup) were impressive.











After lunch we took a tour of the Palau de la Musica. It is "nestled" into a very narrow street, so hard to photograph (an no pics allowed inside). Designed by Domenech i Montaner (same as hospital in the Gaudi post yesterday) and completed in 1908 it was a blend of music/nature and a meeting of Catalan music and international music. Absolutely incredible - the back of the stage had "muses" that were part mosaic and then sculpture coming out of the wall (upper torso and head), representing worldwide attire and musical instruments). Over 2,000 ceramic roses on the ceiling and columns inside; stain glass "skylight" so that interior has substantial natural light intended for daytime performances.

Notice the cute mosaic ticket window.

Next we headed to Parc Montjuic where we headed UP UP UP. You can see the series of steps and escalators until we finally arrive at the higher part.

A visit to the Fundacio Joan Miro for some pretty wild modern art and sculpture (we feel like we have attended some basic art history and architecture history courses).

As we headed back to our hotel, we realized how close we were to the Olympic stadium, figured Kevin and Alex would admonish us of we didn't take a look, so here it is! Currently used for soccer, music (Bruce Springsteen) etc. But overall, quite empty - saw a few people jogging on the grounds, which must be pretty inspirational.

You can see a testament to the wind the divers complained about as you see the wind sweeping up a fountain into my camera lens (and dousing me in the process). Wonderful view of the city from up there as well as a monument fountain to the formation of the European Union.

One last stop before hotel and dinner was the Caxia Forum (thanks Auntie Mona for the tip; don't imagine we would have otherwise headed there),a 2002 conversion of a 1911 red-brick textile factory (also modernista style). Notice the wavy surface of the terrace (blending nature and architecture) on the roof. Interesting exhibit inside featuring famous architect from Venice).

It is now Thursday morning, we have finished our breakfast and are planning our day. My guess is it will involve more walking.

Janet and Gilles arrive this evening, and tomorrow will begin our trek through France.